Middle-schoolers go to war for charity

Students and staff from Wallenpaupack Middle School in Hawley, Pennsylvania, empty their piggy banks for a competition called Penny Wars, and last month the proceeds were given to an animal shelter and a fire company. It's a "war between grades" where pennies are considered positive points and other coins or paper money are negative points which students give to opposing grades.

The goal is to have the lowest possible score at the end of the week-long competition. When the war is underway, it is competitive. Teachers give as well, and bring their students to give their coins during the opposing grade's lunch period. Each year the money collected goes to worthy causes. An eighth-grade member of the student council, Frankie Toppi, said says the competition is fun because of how much is raised, and how students work together to make it happen.